Notre Dame Defense Gets Key Players Back Ahead of BYU Road Game

Defensive Boost for Notre Dame

Notre Dame defensive back Leonard Moore and defensive lineman Jason Onye are on track to play on Saturday against No. 8 BYU in Provo. Both players practiced with the team this week.

Head Coach Marcus Freeman addressed the situation on Thursday to provide the latest update. He said the team expects both players to return to action on the field. Even though both remain listed as questionable on the Notre Dame availability report, their practice participation is a clear positive sign for the defense.

Injury Backgrounds

Moore missed last week's game against Stanford while recovering from a concussion. He is an All America cornerback who brings plenty of experience back to the secondary.

Onye has been sidelined for a longer stretch. The defensive lineman suffered a left ankle injury during the season opener against Wisconsin, played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. He has not played since that first game.

Player Accomplishments and Role

Moore built a strong reputation early in his college career. He earned several freshman All America honors in 2024 before securing first team All America honors in 2025. Throughout his career, he has recorded seven interceptions and 22 pass breakups. This season, he has registered eight tackles and four pass breakups.

Onye recorded one tackle in the season opener against Wisconsin before going down with his ankle injury.

Freeman explained that both players got practice reps in the game plan this week. He stated that if they keep trending in the direction they are going, the team expects them to hopefully help on Saturday. Having both players available provides Notre Dame with added strength on defense as they travel to face a ranked opponent in Provo.

What it means for the next game

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at BYU Cougars (College Football, Sat, 17 Oct): BYU Cougars win 23%, Notre Dame Fighting Irish win 77%; projected score BYU Cougars 19, Notre Dame Fighting Irish 28. Our safest pick: Notre Dame to win.